This quote essentially means that our beliefs or convictions are strongest when they are backed by personal experience and logical reasoning. In other words, it’s not enough to just believe in something, one must also have the evidence and logical reasoning to support it. This is important because it emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and experiential learning in shaping our beliefs and values.

The first part of the quote, “Convictions can best be supported with experience,” suggests that personal experiences are essential in forming and validating our beliefs. Experiences provide us with tangible evidence that can either support or contradict our beliefs. For example, if we believe that hard work pays off, this belief becomes stronger each time we witness the positive outcomes of our hard work.

The second part of the quote, “and clear thinking,” highlights the importance of logical reasoning in supporting our convictions. Clear thinking involves analyzing the evidence, questioning assumptions, and making logical connections. This means that our beliefs should not be based on emotions, biases, or hearsay, but on sound reasoning and analysis.

In today’s world, this quote is particularly relevant in the age of information overload and fake news. It’s easy to form beliefs based on what we read or hear without questioning its validity or source. This quote reminds us to critically evaluate the information we consume and to form beliefs based on personal experiences and logical reasoning.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that we should strive to be critical thinkers and active learners. We should seek experiences that challenge our beliefs and force us to think critically. We should also be open to changing our beliefs if they are not supported by our experiences and logical reasoning. This approach not only strengthens our convictions but also promotes personal growth and intellectual humility.